Newcastle Airport has significantly expanded its cargo services to meet growing demand, strengthening its role as a major logistics hub.
The multi-award winning Airport’s on-site business partner, Samson Aviation, has invested in a range of new equipment, including a main deck loader capable of handling both widebody and narrowbody passenger and cargo aircraft.
This upgrade enables the Airport to handle larger and more specialised cargo - including heavy machinery, aircraft components, and luxury vehicles - across a wider range of aircraft, supporting further growth beyond the 4,000 tonnes of cargo it currently imports and exports for the region.
Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are delighted to further strengthen Newcastle Airport’s position as a leading cargo gateway with the addition of this new equipment.
“It significantly enhances our capability to handle a wider range of cargo and underlines our ability to support the growing number of businesses choosing the Airport for their import and export needs.
“Our continued investment in our cargo infrastructure demonstrates a clear commitment to growth and we continue to welcome conversations with any cargo or aviation related businesses looking to invest in the region.”
Paula Ives, General Manager at Samson Aviation, said: “The investment in the new equipment demonstrates Samson Aviation’s commitment to supporting Newcastle Airport’s growing cargo operations.
“It will create more opportunities for businesses in the North East, across the UK and internationally to transport larger and more specialised cargo efficiently and connect with key markets around the world."
The Airport supports global trade through its 24/7 operations and seamless transport connectivity.
Emirates’ daily Dubai service can carry up to 21 tonnes of cargo, transporting a wide range of goods including automotive parts and pharmaceuticals.
From Dubai, cargo can be transported to more than 130 destinations worldwide, with Shanghai in China, Melbourne in Australia and Johannesburg in South Africa being among the most popular destinations for exports from Newcastle.
The Airport’s first-class freight village also offers a comprehensive range of freight processing facilities, enabling imported goods to be cleared quickly through customs before being transported across the UK and beyond.
In its 2040 Masterplan, the Airport has outlined plans to further expand its cargo operations, including building AirLink, a new 750,000 sq ft cargo hub, which could create thousands of jobs and boost the regional economy by up to £165m a year.
For more information about the Airport’s cargo operations, visit www.newcastleairport.com/corporate/doing-business-with-us/cargo-opportunities.